Ancient Near Eastern ArtClay-Tablets-Inscribedca. 544 B.C.Cuneiform tablet: fragment of a contract is a clay-tablets-inscribed of Babylonian origin created in ca. 544 B.C. using clay measuring 2.5 x 3.9 x 1.5 cm (1 x 1 1/2 x 5/8 in.) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Clay |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 3.9 x 1.5 cm (1 x 1 1/2 x 5/8 in.) |
| Classification | Clay-Tablets-Inscribed |
| Department | Ancient Near Eastern Art |
| Credit Line | Purchase, 1886 |
| Date | ca. 544 B.C. |
Historical Context
Culture & Period
This work belongs to the Babylonian culture, dating from the Neo-Babylonian period. The estimated date range is 544 BC.
Geography
Origin: Mesopotamia. 
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Cuneiform tablet: fragment of a contract?
Cuneiform tablet: fragment of a contract is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Cuneiform tablet: fragment of a contract created?
Cuneiform tablet: fragment of a contract dates to ca. 544 B.C..
What material is Cuneiform tablet: fragment of a contract made from?
Cuneiform tablet: fragment of a contract is crafted from clay.
Is Cuneiform tablet: fragment of a contract in the public domain?
Cuneiform tablet: fragment of a contract is in the public domain and can be freely used.
Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026